Category Archives: Mexico U-20

A quick update on the recent news surrounding the Mexican national teams!

Mexico drew their first game in Copa America. They played to a 0-0 draw against Bolivia. Their next game is on June 15 against the host country, Chile. Unfortunately, Rafael Marquez will be out for the games against Chile and Ecuador.

On June 5, the Mexico U-20s lost 2-0 against Serbia and were knocked out of the U-20 World Cup.

Call ups for the Gold Cup were released.

Mexico drew against Colombia 1-1 on June 9 in their opening game in the Women’s World Cup and lost 2-1 against England on June 13. Their next game is against France on June 17, but Mexico is currently last in Group F.

Espericueta has been a leader with this era of U-20’s (Photo: Gero Breloer)

On July 2nd, Mexico’s U-20 has an opportunity to turn things around in the World cup. The cup started very poorly for Mexico. Against both Greece and Paraguay, Mexico was supposed to take care of business but looked anything but in-control Squandered chances left Mexico in a major hole.

However, when it looked grim, and like the U-20 World cup was a bust…they pulled off a miracle. Due to the USA being beaten by Ghana by three, it meant Mexico needed a three goal victory over Mali. Mali going into the game played much better than Mexico with two points. Yet, two quick goals gave Mexico hope. After 90 minutes, Mexico had a 4-1 miraculous victory.

Now, Mexico is paired against a very talented Spain side. Spain were the best team in their group after winning every game. They did slip up a bit against Ghana, only winning 1-0. But, for Mexico, there is a lot fo work to do.

So far Jorge Espericueta and Jésus Corona have been the best for Mexico. They will need a very strong game to lead Mexico against the rivaled Spaniards.

Mexico’s weakest spot has been the defense (and by far). Spain has a crack in Jesé who has four goals in the tournament. It is pivotal for El Tri to take care of things defensively, because they have yet to keep a clean sheet in Turkey.

A win can propel Mexico multitudes, but it won’t come easy. El Tri needs to leave everything on the pitch and fight 90 minutes. They have the talent, and have had enough luck to make it this far. Time to show the world they can hang with the best.

*Final note: Mexico is, unfortunately, the final CONCACAF team left in this tournament. This could be a bad sign for upcoming spots for the region in the U-20 World cup.

Chicharito was able to reach 35 total goals for Mexico after his three in the Confederations cup run. He is now only 11 goals behind leader Jared Borgetti.

Mexico’s U-20 fell to Greece after a late goal for a final of 1-2. Mexico will need to recuperate quickly as they face Paraguay in a crucial match on June 25h. The game will start at 11:00 A.M. ET.

It appears Chepo will remain Mexico’s coach until the Autumn. Apparently there is a must win ultimatum against Honduras. If unsuccessful it will leave Mexico without a coach just days before playing the USA in Columbus.

The Dos Santos brothers have Euro clubs eyeing them. For Jonathan, Anderlecht in Belgium, and Fiorentina are two major names. As for Giovani, Valencia may be a possible destination out of second division Spain with Mallorca.

Mexico will be headed to the Gold cup in just two weeks. Their first match will be against Panama at the Rose Bowl (July 7). Be sure to check Pancho Villa’s Army to see if there is a watch-party near you!

Tijuana played to a draw against Palmeiras of Brazil in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. Their next match up will in on the road on May 14.

Monterrey won the CONCACAF Champions league after a huge four goal turn around in the second half against Santos Laguna. Monterrey will once again represent Liga MX at the FIFA Club World cup this winter.

Mexico U-20 will participate in the Toulon tournament later this month (May 28-June 4). The format has changed from the previous years; there will be two groups with five teams, and the top two teams from the groups play in the final. Mexico is grouped with Nigeria, Belgium, Portugal, and Brazil.

Chepo de la Torre made his way to Europe this week to meet with Mexican players abroad. After his statements about returning to El Tri, will Vela be on the list to meet with for Chepo?

Mexico is rumored to be in talks with Ivory Coast for a friendly this August (MetLife Stadium).

There isn’t really any disputing that Diego Reyes is the top of this list. Although he is currently with Club América, he will be making the move to Portugal at the end of the Torneo Clausura. Reyes was one of the Gold medalists in London 2012, and has been playing out of his mind ever since. He made his first debut with Mexico’s senior side against the U.S. in March, and he cancelled out every attack that came his way. Diego could find himself in Brazil 2014…it may almost be absurd to think he wouldn’t be there.

2) Jésus Manuel Corona (20), Monterrey:

The most prolific player for Mexico in the 2013 U-20 CONCACAF tournament was Jésus Corona. His dribbling ability, speed, and vision caused nightmares for the opposing sides. His first major breakthrough was with Monterrey in the 2012 FIFA Club World cup. Jésus was a major bright spot for Monterrey scoring two goals in the tournament. He is already getting linked with European clubs and for good reason. If he keeps up his growth, he could make a debut for the senior side sometime soon. However, first things first; battle for the U-20 crown in Turkey.

3) Cándido Ramírez (19), Santos Laguna:

Cándido came onto the scene in the 2012 Toulon tournament in France. Mexico won the tournament, and Cándido was a major component to that team. He has since quieted a bit, but still has shown some solid talent with Santos Laguna. It will be really hard to not see him with the U-20 side when they go to Turkey. Cándido may also make his return to the Toulon tournament this summer to help Mexico defend their title.

4) Marco Granados (16), Chivas:

No, your computer/phone is not broken. A 16 year old indeed takes #4 in the TriReport rankings. Marco Granados put on an incredible display in the 2013 U-17 CONCACAF tournament. Granados was actually utilized as a sub and managed to score four goals and took home the Golden shoe. Marco plays with great speed and strength for a ‘kid’ his size. When Mexico travels to the UAE this fall for the U-17 World cup, don’t be surprised to hear Granados name both on the pitch and linked to European clubs.

5) Richard Sánchez (18), F.C. Dallas:

You can’t have this type of list without some love for the Goalkeepers. Richard Sánchez wraps up the rankings for many reasons. Richard was part of the brilliant 2011 U-17 World cup champion side and just recently continued his role with the U-20’s. Richard was a stonewall for Mexico and the proof is in the scoresheet. In the 2013 U-20 CONCACAF tournament, Mexico conceded only one goal. To make it even more impressive, the only goal came from a PK, which Richard actually managed to contest. He would go on to take home the Golden glove in the tournament. Mexico will head to U-20 World cup in Turkey with firepower in the attack, but also at keeper.

The list was a very difficult one to create, simply due to the tons of up and coming names. However, these 5 players make up our top 21 and under players for Mexico. Let us know what you think. Who do you think should have made the list?